Star Trek: Theurgy

Science Officer Vanya| Cargo Bay| 2 months before the Borg Attack
Attn: @Fife

She quickly scanned the cargo bay computer display.   The duty roster she had seen said that there was no one due here, but she had to be sure.   She was about to use her enhanced vision to scan the entire bay when another wave of dizziness overtook her.   It felt as if she were standing upside down, relative to her actual position.   She imagined that if she had a normal stomach instead of a micro powerplant, she would have probably reproduced her entire lunch by now.   Finally the dizziness passed and she decided not to waste any more time.   She headed over to the toolkits  

There was nothing wrong with her taking one of course, she was rated to operate every tool in that box.   However, if she did take the box, it would be logged by the computer, and there was every chance that the chief engineer would discuss why she needed it   Her quarters were sparse of personal possessions, and every system in her room required an engineer to repair   No, there was precious little option, she had to perform the procedure here.  

She moved to the back of the cargo bay where she thought she would be obscured from view if anyone came in.   She unfasted her uniform top, then removed her undershirt.   Topless, she didn’t feel vulnerable at her lack of dress, but felt vulnerable at her weakness.   After taking a second to enjoy the cool air of the cargo bay against her bare flesh, she knelt down behind a stack of barrels, and leant forwards.   Her hands shaking, she tried to angle a microtransporter unit above her back. 

This time another wave of dizziness, she felt as if she were being dragged across the cargo bay backwards   She knew it was a result of the low level malfunctions, however, she instinctively lurched forward to “resist” going backwards, and fell into a heap .  

As she let the wave of disorientation pass, she felt mortified as her ears picked up the sound of footsteps coming from across the cargo bay.  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga | 2 Months before Borg attack ] Attn: @Veridian

Chief Eboh was not usually one to “work” during his down time, but today found him doing just that. Lieutenant Mason had asked him to find a crate of Andorian ale that he had purchased at the last Starbase that the Cayuga had stop at before heading for the Azure Nebula. When Ekon had initially agreed to get the ale out of storage Lt. Mason had neglected to mention the fact that he had bought it from a somewhat shady source and hadn’t logged it into the ship’s manifest. Or the fact that he had forgotten which crate it was in. And so it was that Ekon found himself noting each crate’s inventory number and referencing it against the manifest in the hopes of finding the one that didn’t show up in the inventory.

He had better let me have a bottle for the touble... Ekon thought to himself as yet another crate proved not to be the one containing the ale. Ekon sighed and moved on to the next crate, silently wondering to himself if he was going to have to resort to opening every crate in the cargo bay before he found the right one. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard movement from the far side of the cargo bay, near where they kept many of the spare took kits. Ekon put it out of his mind, assuming it was just a crewman grabbing some component or tool that was required for a job. Then he heard more movement and what sounded like someone falling, and decided he better investigate. He put the PADD he was holding down on a crate and began walking across the cargo bay, weaving around the various containers and shelves which littered the space. The sound had seemed to come from the rear of the cargo bay, so Ekon made his way in that direction. Initially he saw nothing, and so called out as he continued in towards the rear of the bay.

“Hello? Is somebody there?” The rumble of Ekon’s deep voice carried easily through the still air of the cargo bay, “Mason, is that you? If you’ve remembered where you put the ale…” Ekon trailed off as he neared the rear of the bay and still saw no sign of anyone. Had he been imagining the sounds he heard? No, he was sure it hadn’t been his imagination. And he hadn’t heard anyone leave as he searched, which meant whoever had made the noise was still in here. He was about to turn around and go back to his search for the Andorian ale when he noticed a uniform tunic and shirt lying on top of some barrels at the very back of the bay.

I swear, if Crewman Halliday is skipping out on his duties to fraternize with one of the nurses again… Ekon thought and he strode quickly towards the barrels, intent of giving Halliday a good dressing down for shirking his duties yet agian.

Science Officer Vanya| Cargo Bay| 2 months before the Borg Attack
Attn: @fife

"Hello? Is somebody there?" The rumble of Ekon's deep voice carried easily through the still air of the cargo bay, "Mason, is that you? If you've remembered where you put the ale..."

Vanya’s heart sank.   She hated being so vulnerable and weak in front of another, especially in front of a member of the crew.   This was the reason why she had been working in secret to begin with   Happily the latest wave of dizziness had clear.   She decided to be honest as she could allow herself.   While she wasn’t ashamed or afflicted with modesty about her body, she understood that many organic species, particularly humans, saw nudity as a taboo.   She wrapped her left arm over her bare breasts and sat up to face Ekon.  

“Chief, hello” she said, trying to act as casual as possible.   Her position as an officer might give her some leverage in this situation.   “I am currently performing low level repairs.   I would prefer to keep my privacy in this matter, so if you don’t mind leaving the cargo bay, and maintaining discretion over this matter, I would be most…”

As if by magic, she felt another shock in her system.   This time, instead  pf nausea, her left arm straightened and raised above her head as if she were an school girl raising her hand to ask a question  

“…grateful.” She finished, trying to maintain her dignity  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Chief Eboh’s stride faltered as a mostly naked Lieutenant Vanya came into view from behind the barrels. She held her left arm across her bare chest, covering her breasts, but even so it would have been understating the matter to say the Chief Eboh was shocked. Chief Eboh’s mouth remained open, having stopped mid-sentence, and his mind worked to come up with a plausible explanation as to why the officer before him was half naked in a cargo bay.

"Chief, hello,” The Lieutenant greeted him in an almost casual manner. At least as casually as she could given the circumstances. Ekon had heard rumors that the Romulan android had a habit of greeting people while naked in her quarters, but this particular situation seemed to be taking it a bit far. “I am currently performing low level repairs.” She continued, ”I would prefer to keep my privacy in this matter, so if you don't mind leaving the cargo bay, and maintaining discretion over this matter, I would be most..." Lt. Vanya seemed to twitch slightly, and suddenly she had straightened her left arm and raised it above her head, leaving her bare chest uncovered. “Grateful.”

Chief Eboh’s gaze remained fixed for a split second before he forced it down and to the side, looking at the deck off to his left. Ekon was not an overly modest man, having seen more than a few naked women in his 88 years. Under the current circumstances however, and due to the fact that this particular woman was an officer, he felt he ought to avert his gaze rather than enjoy the view. Not that he hadn’t enjoyed his brief glimpse…

“Of course, ma’am. I apologize.” Ekon said, his voice steady and not the least embarrassed. “I did not know you were in here, or that you were…” Ekon paused and considered his words, not wanting to appear boorish. “In your current state. However,” Ekon continued, still not looking at the woman who stood before him, “I would think that conducting repairs on yourself would be challenging under normal circumstances. Doing so with involuntary movement of your limbs could prove exceedingly difficult.” Ekon turned his gaze back towards the Lieutenant, keeping his eyes locked on her blue eyes and not looking down. “I could assist you in your repairs if you wish, Lieutenant. Or if you want me to leave, I will do so.” Ekon gave the Lieutenant a half-smile that he prayed did not appear lecherous. “In either case I will be discrete about the matter, ma’am. I give you my word.”

[ Lt Vanya| Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga
Attn:@fife

anya weighed up her options.    She could dismiss Eboh and suffer for who knows how long, or she could avail herself of the discreet aid that he offered.    The word of a Starfleet officer be it in rank of position carried a lot of weight with her.   

“I... would like some help please, thank you.”   

Control returned to her left arm and she covered herself up again, and she gingerly rose to her feet.   

“At the Captain’s insistence I took shore leave during our visit to Starbase 98”   She began.   

“I went swimming in a natural spring on the surface”.  She smiled at the memory of water against her bare flesh.    She quickly shook her head “The water has a conductive mineral in it, a trace amount, not enough to pose a hazard to humanoids, but enough to wreak havoc with electrical systems.”   

She felt embarrassed to reveal her secret but still thought this was the best option. 


“A small amount of the mineral was absorbed through my epidermal layer.    My self repair systems neutralised most of them.    A tiny amount has found its way into my gyroscopic regulator.    My systems can’t get into there because it is so delicate.   It the mineral disrupts my gyroscopic field.    I could use help removing it.”  

She didn’t like being this weak but she needed help that already knew of her issue.   

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

With Lt. Vanya having covered herself again, Chief Eboh approached the back of the cargo bay as she explained the nature of the problem. As he rounded the barrels, he saw the microtransporter unit lying on the deck where she had dropped it. Ekon bent forward and picked the unit up, cradling it in both hands as he approached the Lieutenant. Having never really interacted with Lieutenant Vanya prior to this he was surprised to find she was the same height as he was, though with a slender figure as opposed to his more bulky frame.

“You intended to use this microtransporter unit to lock on to the trace amounts of the mineral and beam them out of your regulator?” Ekon guessed as he stopped just in front of the woman and placed the microtransporter unit on one of the barrels. He could discern a sense of embarrassment in the Lieutenant, though she was obviously trying to suppress it. “Would I be correct in assuming your gyroscopic regulator is located in your torso?”

The thought dawned on him that this was a strange merging of his two professions in Starfleet. Having begun his career as a nurse, he had worked to heal his fellow crewmates. Now that he worked in Operations he repaired the ship’s systems. And now here he was, about to repair one of his crewmates. It was not a phrase Ekon had ever thought he’d use.

I suppose there is a first time for everything… Ekon mused, dropping his gaze to remove a tricorder from his pocket. As he looked up and met her gaze once more he could not help but steal a glance at the arm covering her chest, as well as the cleavage it failed to hide from view. The sense of medical professionalism he had developed during his 16 years as a nurse bellowed in the back of his mind as he waited for her to confirm the location of her gyroscopic regulator.

[ Lt. Vanya| Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

"You intended to use this microtransporter unit to lock on to the trace amounts of the mineral and beam them out of your regulator?" Ekon guessed as he stopped just in front of the woman and placed the microtransporter unit on one of the barrels. He could discern a sense of embarrassment in the Lieutenant, though she was obviously trying to suppress it. "Would I be correct in assuming your gyroscopic regulator is located in your torso?"

Vanya nodded.   He seemed to linger over her for a while, but she couldn't work out if it was scientific curiosity or something else "That's correct" she confirmed.   "Its equally placed between my shoulder blades"  

She looked at him carefully   "I can either lay or sit down if you wish or....  

She lost her balance again, as if she had slipped on a banana peel.    Her hands moved freely instinctively behind her to break her fall, her ample breasts jiggling with the fall.  

"...never mind.    What would you suggest?"   She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt on this.  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Chief Eboh dropped his tricorder and reached out, but was unable to catch Lt. Vanya as she fell backward. The Lieutenant caught herself however, extending both arms backwards to arrest her fall, once again leaving her ample breasts exposed and in full view. This time Ekon couldn’t help but stare for a brief moment before he managed to stir himself to action.

“Are you alright, Lieutenant?” Ekon asked as he moved quickly to her side and knelt down, placing a one hand behind her shoulder and the other on her stomach in an attempt to steady her. “Perhaps we should just have you lie down here.” Ekon suggested, worrying that moving position might be problematic if she had another malfunction in her gyroscopic regulator. Easier to just treat her where she was.

“Turn over,” Ekon instructed, trying not to make it sound like an order. He suddenly realized that he had his hands on the Lieutenant’s bare skin and quickly removed them, glad that his blush would be barely visible due to his dark skin. He muttered a quiet apology to her and then twisted where he knelt, lifting the microtransporter down from the barrel and setting it on the floor next to him. He then reached out to retrieve the dropped tricorder as he waited for her to comply with the direction.

[LT. Vanya Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

[I["Turn over," Ekon instructed, trying not to make it sound like an order. He suddenly realized that he had his hands on the Lieutenant's bare skin and quickly removed them, glad that his blush would be barely visible due to his dark skin. He muttered a quiet apology to her and then twisted where he knelt, lifting the microtransporter down from the barrel and setting it on the floor next to him. He then reached out to retrieve the dropped tricorder as he waited for her to comply with the direction. [/I]

Vanya sighed.   She realised that it had been sometime since she had been touched by anyone   It was most refreshing.   She detected his quiet apology, and she spoke.  

“Please, one thing I’m lacking is modesty about my appearance.”   As she rolled over, an ironic smile crossed over her lips.   “That being said, perhaps if I had worn appropriate attire when swimming, I wouldn’t be in this mess.   In any event, an apology is not necessary.  

She turned over, the cold deck pressing against her skin.   “If you could hurry this along, however I am finding this floor most uncomfortable.”  

She couldn’t wait for this ordeal to be over, and not just because the floor was cold.   She prided herself on being in control, and giving up control to someone else, even for a second, was oddly disconcerting.  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

"Please, one thing I'm lacking is modesty about my appearance." Lt. Vanya said as she rolled over. Chief Eboh could see a small smile cross her lips briefly as she turned over onto her stomach. "That being said, perhaps if I had worn appropriate attire when swimming, I wouldn't be in this mess. In any event, an apology is not necessary. If you could hurry this along, however I am finding this floor most uncomfortable."

Ekon smiled, and lifted the tricorder, ”Very well, Lieutenant. I didn’t realize you were as susceptible to the cold as organics. I’m just going to take a quick scan to make sure that no other systems are affected.” he explained, running the tricorder over her back. Finding no other systems that were affected by the conductive minerals, he closed the tricorder and placed in on the floor next to him. Next he reached out and gently brushed aside Vanya’s long black hair, which had fanned out across her back. As he softly swept his fingers across her back he could feel goosebumps rising on the soft skin, which he assumed were from the cold. He briefly reflected on the fact that he had not touched a woman in quite some time, not since he had seen his second love gunned down by Cardassians in a firefight back in the war. He shook himself out of his reverie and focused on the present. This was not Teresa Vasquez, and he had a job to finish.

With the hair out of the way, he placed his index and middle fingers in between her shoulder blades, mentally landmarking the spot where the affected component was located, then lifted the mircotransporter and positioned it over the Lieutenant's back. ”Hold still, Vanya.”

[ Lt. Vanya | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

“I had to pass for organic to the most stringent of visible inspections.” She explained.   “If my skin doesn’t sweat when hot, or show signs of the cold, or if I can’t even convince a sexual partner that I have…”  She realised that sex, like nudity was a taboo subject amongst humans.  

“Well” she said after an uncomfortable pause.   “I have to pass as organic.”    

She took a deep breath.   “I will deactivate my Gyroscopic regulator now.    As well as making easier to isolate the foreign particles it will ensure that I as you suggest, ‘stay stil’.   My head will still function.”  

Arms at her side, her body went limp.   It was odd, like her entire body was numb.   At least she would be spared any unintentional episodes.   “There” she said.   “You should now be able to track things down easier.”    

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon watched as Lieutenant Vanya’s body suddenly seemed to go limp, then adjusted the mircotransporter’s position to compensate for the slight movement caused by her body relaxing. He marvelled at the lengths the Romulans had gone to for the sake of infiltration, and found himself glad that she was on their side.

“I can see how that would help you convince those around you that you were an organic,” Ekon admitted, ”Although I have not met many human women that were the same height as me.” Ekon chuckled at this, then continued to talk as he locked on to the offending minerals in Vanya’s system, “Beyond that I would say your body is quite convincing, right down to the goosebumps on your back.” Ekon hesitated for a moment before he continued. ”I’m curious, Lieutenant. You say you lack a sense of modesty, but you tend stop yourself from mentioning certain things. Would I be right in assuming you think it will make those around you uncomfortable?”

Ekon had the microtransporter locked on now. He touched his thumb to the appropriate button as he finished asking his question, and beamed out the unwanted material. ”The minerals are out of your system.” He reported, ”You should be ok to reactivate your gyroscopic regulator and get dressed. We should probably wait a few minutes to make sure there are no more disruptions.”

Ekon placed the microtransporter unit on the floor next to him and sat back, leaning on the barrels as he waited to see if he would get an answer to his question.

[LT. Vanya Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Fife
“You should be ok to reactivate your gyroscopic regulator and get dressed. We should probably wait a few minutes to make sure there are no more disruptions."

With a twitch of her head, her body reactivated   He self-diagnostic began to cycle through, and so far everything was green.   She walked across the room and picked up her undershirt.  

“Correct.   I have found many organics find nudity and topics of a sexual nature uncomfortable in certain contexts.”   She slid her uniform over her torso and held her hands up to her face.   She bent and flexed her fingers.   “So far, so good” she said.   She remembered being at Starfleet Academy when she used to discuss her past in new groups   In her experience it quickly led to uncomfortable silences and a lack of further invites to the aforementioned groups.     
“Even Deltans would balk at the mention of my ability to provide orgasms when I mentioned them in conversation.   So I decided that these sort of topics were best kept out rotation.”  

She looked at him.   He was El Aurian, or at least partially.   His lineage had a history of listening.   She wondered if she was playing a dangerous game by bearing her soul.   She decided to continue.  

“Well, things seem to be fine so far.   As I understand it, I am indebted to you now, in exchange for the repair and your continued discretion.   If there is anything I can do for you, please ask.”  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon didn’t look away this time as the Lieutenant rose to her feet and walk over to retrieve her shirt. She could give him a dressing down for staring at her in her current state, but he didn’t think she would. He listened as she explained her reason for avoiding topics such as nudity and sexuality, then smiled as she mentioned being indebted to him.

”You are not indebted to me, Lieutenant. I am glad to be able to help.” Ekon said, ”And as for uncomfortable topics, I am 88 years old. While that is quite young by El-Aurian standards, I have lived long enough that I now find very few things uncomfortable to talk about.” Ekon chuckled, rising to his feet and picking up the tricorder and microtransporter.

”Now if you’ll excuse me, ma’am, I am off duty at the moment.” Ekon stated as he moved through the cargo bay and replaced the microtransporter, then pocketed the tricorder. ”I was looking for something for Lieutenant Mason, but he has no idea where it is and I’m not planning on wasting any more time looking for it.” He continued, turning to look back at the Lieutenant. ”I was going to go to the lounge and get a drink, if you would like to continue our conversation.”

[Lt Vanya | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga] attn @Fife

"I was going to go to the lounge and get a drink, if you would like to continue our conversation."

Vanya was about to automatically decline the offer, however, this wasn’t an invite that came out of some kind of social prerogative, nor was it a group, it was just one person inviting her.   This was also a way to reward the favour that Eboh had done for her.  

“That sounds like a good idea.” She said at last.   “Lead on.”  

As she followed him, she took a moment to appraise him   His people were long lived, while half human he could possibly be…   While he wasn’t at his prime, he probably wasn’t old by his own standards.   Maybe there was another four or five decades in him until infirmity started to rear its head to a significant degree.   She decided to try to approach the subject tactfully .   

“Tell me, what is the lifespan of an El-Aurian?“  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Cargo Bay | USS Cayuga ] Attn: @Veridian

To Ekon’s eye, it seemed as though Lt. Vanya was going to decline his invitation, but then seemed to change her mind at the last moment. Having instructed him to “lead on”, Ekon moved out of the cargo bay and made his way down the corridor towards the turbolift. He walked so that he was shoulder to shoulder with the Lieutenant rather than walking ahead of her, and glanced over at her when she asked about El-Aurian lifespans.

”Well, ma’am, El-Aurians generally live seven hundred years or more. They would generally age at the same rate as a human would until they are somewhere between their 30’s and their 50’s, then they cease to age for several hundred years.” Ekon explained as they approached the turbolift. As the turbolift doors hissed open, Ekon gave the Lieutenant and “after you” gesture with his hand, and they stepped into the lift. Ekon leaned back against the wall and directed it to take them to the observation deck before looking back at Vanya and continuing. ”Since I am half human, my own lifespan is uncertain. As far as the doctors can tell, I stopped aging in my late 30s, though they can venture no guess as to how long I will live. It could be another hundred years, or another seven hundred.” Ekon shrugged and smiled.

”How about yourself, Lieutenant?” Ekon asked, finding it took much less effort to keep his gaze on the Lieutenant’s blue eyes now that she was fully dressed in her uniform. As that thought flowed through his mind however, is caused his to briefly glance down at the Lieutenant's neck, now the only visible skin besides her face, before he caught himself and brought his gaze back up to her eyes.

Keep this up and she will think you as some sort of deviant. Ekon mentally chided himself as he continued to speak.

”I know it is generally considered rude to discuss a woman's age, but you don't strike me as a conventional sort of woman." Ekon chuckled before he continued, "Do you have any idea of your expected lifespan?” Ekon had already asked the question before he realized he had said lifespan, not duration of operation or some similar term. As the turbolift came to a half and the doors slid open, Ekon reflected on the fact that, to Vanya, there would be no difference between the two phrases.

[Lt Vanya | Corridor | USS Cayuga] @Fife

Vanya had thought about her mortality often.  It was something that both frightened her and fascinated her.  

“Without routine maintenance, my physical body could last for 86 years.   With regular maintenance, I would effectively be immortal.   I do however, have a complicated neural net.   At some point in the future, there is a high chance that it will have grown too complex to be a viable network.   I don’t know when that will be but, it will come.   I could flip the switch and reboot my brain, but I would effectively forget everything I’ve ever known.   I could download my brain into an adaptive holomatrix, but would that truly be me anymore?”  

She realised that Eboh was staring at her.   She allowed herself a small smile.    “I’m sorry, I do find that humanoids tend to use conversation like armour.   It tends to get in the way of the things they really wish to discuss.   I try to live for the moment and say what I mean because otherwise, nothing really important gets said.”  

She cast her mind to her days undercover as a spy.  Conversation was a skill she had, but she found it terribly inefficient.  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Corridor | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

As they moved down the corridor Ekon remained quiet for a few moments, reflecting on what Lt. Vanya had said. He had to admit, she was right. Words were often used as armour, and people rarely said what they meant.

Or what they really wish to say… Ekon thought, glancing over at the raven-haired Lieutenant. How many times have I wanted to say what was in my heart, and not acted? What do I wish I could have said to Teresa… to Cassandra… A tightness settled into Ekon’s chest for a moment, and he waited a moment for it to pass before he finally broke the silence.

”You are right, Lieutenant.” Ekon said with a smile, trying to move past the emotional pain which had gripped him moments before. “People often do not live for the moment, or speak what is in their hearts. The smile faded somewhat from his lips. ”I know better than most the regret that can come from not saying the words you truly wish to say.”

As they approached the doors to the Warp-Trail Lounge, a thought occurred to Ekon, causing him to slow his pace and look at Vanya. ”I apologise Lieutenant, it just occurred to me that I don’t know if you even can drink. I simply assumed so after you spoke of being designed to pass for an organic.” Ekon hesitated at the door to the lounge. ”I suppose I was looking forward to sitting and talking, and I hadn’t thought about it before now.” Ekon waited just outside the lounge for Vanya’s response, feeling somewhat silly. He didn’t know why, but the android lieutenant seemed to be making him somewhat nervous. Ekon decided it must just have been a result of thinking of the two women he had lost, and tried to put the thought out of his mind.

[Lt Vanya | Corridor | USS Cayuga] @Fife

"I apologise Lieutenant, it just occurred to me that I don't know if you even can drink. I simply assumed so after you spoke of being designed to pass for an organic." Ekon hesitated at the door to the lounge. "I suppose I was looking forward to sitting and talking, and I hadn't thought about it before now.”  

She held up her hand in a relaxing gesture.   Curiosity about her functions in various conditions was to be expected, if not appreciated   “No apology needed” she said earnestly.   “And it depends on how you define drink.   If you are asking if I can consume liquids, I can ingest food and drink, although this isn’t needed to keep me alive.   Alternatively, if you are asking if I can consume alcoholic beverages without being drunk, this is also true.   My brain has no organic matter to impair.   Plus I am the product of the same culture that created the galaxy’s most potent alcholic beverage.  I cannot get drunk.”  

She remembered various attempts at the acacemy to get drunk   She once downed an entire case of Saurian Brandy.   The taste revolted her, yet she didn’t feel so much as a buzz.   A true joy of being an Android.  

As they entered the bar, she continued.   “I will be honest with you, Chief.   I have a few existential issues.  Are my tastes and desires my own, or are they copies of my creators?   However, there is a variety of food and drink here in the galaxy that I because I know that my creator would have never had chance to try them.   Although I don’t need to drink, I find that sampling different things can be pleasurable.”  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon listened to Lieutenant Vanya as they moved to one of the booths that lined the wall to their left. On the stage at the far end of the room a holographic pianist was playing a jazz tune on the piano, though the music was not loud enough to drown out conversation. As they moved across the floor he could hear Remy, the proprietor, regaling some poor Bolian crewman with tales of his “heroics” during the Dominion wars. Ekon had run into Remy during the war and remembered him as being very adept at making sure he remained far away from the fighting.

As they seated themselves in one of the semi-circular booths, he let the atmosphere of the lounge wash over him for a moment as he considered what Lt. Vanya had just said. ”I imagine the question of your tastes being your own would be a troubling one.” Ekon said as he leaned back against the cushioned back of the booth, resting his hands on the table in front of him with his fingers interlocked. ”Many people would say their tastes are influenced by those of their parents, but there are many cases of tastes differing as well.” Ekon glanced out the square viewport that filled a large portion of the wall behind the booth as he considered the thought. ”I suppose the telling question would be whether or not you have developed new interests since you joined Starfleet and have been out of contact with your creators.” He asked, returning his gaze to the woman seated across form him. ”Have you developed interests and preferences that they would know nothing about, or possibly have disliked? Have you developed friendships with, or romantic feelings for, people that your creators would have despised?” As Ekon looked at the Lieutenant’s blue eyes, he worried for a moment that he might be getting to personal with his questions. While Vanya had stated earlier that she was not modest about her physical appearance, personal questions could prove to be a much more touchy subject. Suddenly feeling somewhat embarrassed about the eye contact, he dropped his gaze to his hands for a moment.

”If you do not want to talk about it, we can change the subject. But if you want someone to talk to about your… how did you put it? Ah yes, your existential issues, I am happy to listen.” Ekon turned his gaze towards the server who was approaching the table. As she asked if they would like anything to drink, Ekon gestured for Vanya to order first if she would like anything. Once Vanya had placed her order, Ekon ordered a Raktajino and turned his gaze back to the Lieutenant, giving her a smile as the server moved away.

[Vanya | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Fife
She reflected carefully and decided that she could say fhis aloud in front of him.   There was something that just made her trust him.    “I enjoy Federation history - that was definitely identified as a threat even when I lived back home.”      

She sipped from the mint tea that she had ordered, savouring the sensation of the hot liquid against her tongue then it’s cool aftertaste.    She realised she has been a few seconds lingering.   She raised the mug.  

“I guess you would call me a sensualist.    I swim, usually nude on the holodeck, and the only furniture in my quarters is my desk and a leather couch that I am usually naked on.”  

She looked at Eboh to register his response,   

“As for romance, I once made a pass at the most brilliant, dedicated man I’ve ever met.    He rejected me because he has an unavoidable power over me.    I still sometimes wonder if that was such a bad thing.”   

She took another sip from her tea.    She realised things were quickly becoming about her.   

“But what about you?    What inspires you?”

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon couldn’t entirely suppress the smile that attempted to manipulate his features at the thought of Vanya lounging around her quarters naked, or the fact that the rumors about her answering her door in the nude were probably true based on his interaction with her today. ”I would imagine your creators would not have programmed you to walk around naked, ma’am.” Ekon said with a chuckle. ”I would think that alone would be proof that you are your own person, and in control of your own will.” Ekon briefly wondered about the man she mentioned.

The most brilliant and dedicated man she has ever met. She certainly has high standards! Ekon thought to himself before replying to the last part of her statement. ”Perhaps he was wise not to enter into a relationship with you.” Ekon held up a hand to forestall any protests on her part. ”Please do not take that the wrong way. But if someone has power over you, then they would never be sure of your reasons for being in the relationship.” A sad smile crossed Ekons lips as he continued, ”I’m not saying you were mistaken about your feelings for him. But having been married myself once, I can say I would rather be certain someone was with me by their own choice rather than through any possible power I might hold over them.”

As Vanya asked Ekon about himself, about what inspired him, he sat back into the booth’s cushions once more and raised his mug to his lips. He took a long sip of the raktajino, savouring the bitter taste of the hot liquid as he considered his answer. He supposed since the Lieutenant had been so forthcoming with him, he should return the courtesy. ”You wish to know what inspires me…” Ekon repeated, vying for time as he crafted his answer. ”I suppose I am motivated for the most part by…” He paused and dropped his gaze, considering how to phrase his answer. Having decided on his wording, he raised his eyes to meet hers. ”the hope for redemption. I have done many things in my life that I am not proud of. There have been numerous occasions where I would look in the mirror, and I would not recognize the man looking back at me.” Ekon took another sip of his raktajino, then smiled across the table at her. ”I went to Starfleet Academy at one point during my career. I was kicked out during my third year for my volatile behaviour. That was what opened my eyes to what I had become, and started me down the path to change my ways.” Ekon let out another low, rumbling chuckle. ”A cheerful topic, isn’t it ma’am?” Ekon smiled at the Lieutenant, again reminding himself that the blue eyes he was having trouble looking away form belonged to a woman of a considerably higher rank than himself.

Don’t forget your place, Eboh… Ekon reminded himself.

”If you meant why did I join Starfleet, well, that’s another matter. I was born on a Starfleet vessel. It picked up my mother and 46 other El-Aurian refugees after two ships carrying more than 400 of my people were destroyed while fleeting the Borg. I was born the following day, aboard the Enterprise-B. I suppose I felt from an early age that I owed Starfleet something.” Ekon smiled and shrugged, again having difficulty breaking eye contact. ”What about you, ma’am? What made you decide to join Starfleet? It seems rather a big jump from Romulan infiltrator to Starfleet officer.” Ekon chuckled and smiled at the woman again to ensure she knew he had not meant the comment maliciously.

[Vanya | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

“My creator had more in mind for me than being an infiltrator, or for want of a better word, a smart drone.  I didn’t have much autonomy, though I was curious.   In my formative months, I found the Federation model of government better than the idea of the Romulan one.   Eventually the programme that created me shut down, and I was ordered to be terminated   Instead, my creator moved my Romulan programming and set me on the slow trip across the order to the Federation, where I was reactivated.   I lived at the Daystrom institute.   I was greatful to Starfleet for saving my life and I wanted to serve. “  

She looked at Eboh, he seemed to be averting his gaze much of the time   Was it the fact that he found her desirable and was worried about the rank structure?   Or was she somehow making him uncomfortable.   She decided to press the issue.  

“Is there something making you uncomfortable?”  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon chuckled as Lt. Vanya called him out, asking him if he was uncomfortable.

I suppose uncomfortable would be one way of phrasing it… Ekon thought to himself as he considered his answer.

”Uncomfortable is perhaps not the word I would use, ma’am. Ekon said with an embarrassed smile. ”I think… conflicted… might be a better description.” Ekon raised his mug and inhaled through his nose, savoring the scent of the drink. He took a long sip, peering over the rim of the mug at her. He swallowed the hot liquid and placed the mug back on the table, still cupping it between his hands. ”If I am being completely honest, Lieutenant, I find you to be an attractive and intelligent woman.” Ekon gave her a weak smile, ”I suppose the state you were in when I found you in the shuttle bay has brought about certain... thoughts... as well. However, our ranks being what they are, it would be considered inappropriate for me to voice such things.” Ekon shrugged. ”As I just have.”

Ekon paused, unsure if he had overstepped his bounds. He brought his mug back up and drank, suddenly wishing for a moment that he had ordered something stronger. Having already incriminated himself, he supposed there was little reason to hold anything back at this point.

”I realize I am out of line in saying these things. But you have been forthcoming with me, and I feel that I owe you the same courtesy in return.” Ekon drained the last of his raktajino and placed the mug on the table, sliding it off to the side. ”I apologize if I’ve made things awkward, ma’am. The truth is, I am very much out of practice when it comes to talking to women in this way, and an NCO should not be speaking to an officer in this manner...” Ekon seemed to hesitate, then said no more. He leaned back into the booth’s cushion and regarded the Lieutenant, interlocking his fingers and resting his hands on the table in front of him once more as he waited to see how Vanya would respond.

What’s one more reprimand on your record, eh Eboh? Ekon thought to himself, supressing the smile that threatened to spread across his face.

[ Lt. Vanya | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

Vanya smirked for a moment.   She wondered if she should help him out or let him continue to flounder   She decided to be honest with him.  

“Chief….   Where I’m from the society is fiercely class driven.   Just talking as you and I are talking would result in punishment for us both, probably fatal.   But that’s not what the Federation is, the Federation is a society where individuals a free to do as they want, as long as they don’t impede on safety and liberty of others. “  

She drained the last of her cup and set it on the table.   He wasn’t an unpleasant looking man, and she decided to take things a little further.  

“Where we take things next is entirely up to you.   Our relationship shouldn’t get in the way of our duty, that is correct, but our duty shouldn’t get in the way of our relationship either.  The line is there, you just need to know where to look.”  

She said back and reached up to her collar.  

“But if it helps”  

With her slender fingers she removed each of her two pips, then unzipped her collar.  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon couldn’t help but smile as Lieutenant Vanya decided to throw him a lifeline rather than simply watching him flounder and drown.

Now stop babbling like a small boy, Eboh! He chastised himself.  You’re probably twice as old as she is. She shouldn’t need to try and put you at ease like this.

As Vanya reached up and removed the pips from her collar, then unzipped said collar, Ekon let out a small sigh.

”I apologize for being so awkward, ma’am. As I said, I am out of practice.” Ekon chuckled as he reached up and removed his rank insignia as well. ”Although if we’re going to take ranks out of this, perhaps your should call me something besides Chief.” He gave Vanya a teasing smile as he slipped the CPO insignia into his pocket, then laughed at himself as he realized he had called her “ma’am” in the same sentence as he suggested not calling him Chief. Ekon was feeling much more relaxed now, and his body language reflected the fact. His shoulders were less tense, and his smile came more easily. He tilted his head slightly to the right, listening to the music. A slower song was starting now, and Ekon smiled as he regarded Vanya with eyes that held a slightly mischievous twinkle.

”Tell me, Vanya. How would you feel about going for a swim?” Ekon asked with a grin. ”I know the holodeck is not the same as a natural spring, but at least you would not have to worry about any minerals getting into your system.”

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

Vanya smiled at him, pleased that he was starting to relax a little.   She took a moment to think things over, swimming would, ironically be a very welcome respite from the stressful day or two that her last swim had caused.   Further, she was eager to try it with someone she found so interesting like Ekon.   However, despite their frank conversations, she felt that her personal habits may set things back a little so she decided to throw him another proverbial bone.  

She noticed that something else was different.   She had two periods in her life, the life as a spy and the life she lived now.   Despite an interest in ideas that her superiors would have considered subversive, she would not stop at killing someone that she was told to for example.   Now, in her current life, she would question that order and even find ways around it if she could.   Similarly, she had seduced three men, and one woman in her old life.   During those initial interactions, she would play her role – a longing gaze here, a dialation of her pupils there, they were parts of the script that she could control.   Yet in her new life, she found that she was beginning to do these things, and finding herself preoccupied with Ekon’s emotional state   This was very different.  She realised that she had been silent for too long, so she spoke at last.   

“Ekon, that sounds like a wonderful idea.   But first we should stop by a replicator.   I’m conscious that my preferred dress when swimming makes people uncomfortable…”   

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon watched Vanya as she remained silent for some time, just as she had done on several occasions throughout their conversation. He didn’t mind the silences, as they afforded him some time to observe the woman who sat across the table from him.

He knew Lieutenant Vanya made some members of the Cayuga’s crew feel nervous or uncomfortable on account of her background, or due to the fact that she was an android. The fact that she had a rather precise manner of speaking did not help matters, as some found the way she spoke cold and calculating. She had a habit of not mincing words, which some mistook for bluntness or a lack of tact.

Ekon was not one of those people.

He didn’t exactly have the most reputable of backgrounds himself, a fact that allowed him to look at the dark haired woman sitting opposite him without the judgment that many of the crew would bring to the situation. The only aspect of their interaction that he had been worried about was their respective ranks. But then Vanya had made it clear that she was not concerned about the fact that she was an officer, and he an NCO. Now Ekon allowed himself to look at Vanya and see only the woman. A very beautiful woman, who’s dark hair framed the romulan ridges of her forehead and the blue eyes that threatened to captivate him.

Finally she broke her silence, speaking in favour of going swimming, but suggesting they stop by a replicator first.

”We can stop by a replicator on the way, if you wish.” Ekon said as he rose from the booth and held out his hand to help her to her feet. ”But if you are only concerned about making me uncomfortable, you should not worry yourself.” He continued, giving her a broad grin that held a hint of mischief. ”I’m sure I will survive the shock.”

[ Vanya | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Fife 

She’d had some weird ideas, even planning to ask him his favourite colour so she could replicate something appropriate, but was glad that her precious time didn’t have to be taken up by replicating suitable swim wear.   She drained the last of her tea and pressed her lips together a second as she thought.   

She had the feeling that the next few hours would set her on a brand new trajectory.   She was excited to take things further, but she wasn’t quite sire how it would work yet   However, that was the thing about being a true sentient, and not a programmed automaton.  You had  to make your best call based on scientific data.   There was so much she was eager to learn about and she couldn’t wait to get started.  

“Well Ekon, as humans say, “Time’s a wastin.”  

She gave him a playful wink as she tapped her combadge.  

“Computer find and reserve a vacant holodeck for immediate use.” She said.  

“Holodeck 4 is vacant for three hours.   Would you like to specify a programme?”  

Now that flummoxed her.   She had swum in recreations of many rivers and seas.   Lake Ataria on Betazed, Lake Windimere on Earth, the Mud Seas of Prollax 4.   And yet, while she could pick a favourite, she knew that there would be a great chance to learn more about her companion.  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Warp-Trail Lounge | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon grinned as Vanya gave him a wink, the smile spreading as she booked holodeck 4 for the next 3 hours. However, when the computer prompted her to pick a program she hesitated, looking at him as if she wanted him to decide on the location.

”Computer, load program Okotie-Eboh-One-Four”

[Acknowledged. The specified program had been loaded in holodeck 4. You may enter when ready.]

Stepping closer to her, he reached up and placed his hand on the small of her back.

”Shall we go?” Ekon asked, enjoying the excuse to touch her as they made their way to the lounge doors and out into the corridor.

As they moved out into the corridor, Ekon reflected that this was an unexpected development. Once his duty shift had ended he had expected to be sitting in his quarters reading for the evening. Instead he found himself enjoying the company of an attractive officer, one who he had not really spoken to before today. It felt strange how circumstances seemed to work together, and not for the first time Ekon wondered if his step-father hadn’t been at least partly right all those years ago with his talk of divine guidance. Despite the cross he wore around his neck, Ekon had never had much faith in that, but who knew…

Ekon glanced over at his companion and all those thoughts slipped from his head as he studied the raven-haired woman, having to remind himself yet again that she was cybernetic rather than organic. Not that it made much difference to how Ekon looked at her, or about how their evening was going. When she had agreed to go for a drink, a part of Ekon had been worried she was only humoring him out of a sense of debt for helping her with her system malfunction. But now she seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself, which flooded Ekon with a sense of relief.

You’re 88 years old, Eboh, but you’re still giddy like a teenage who just got a date with his schoolyard crush. Ekon smiled despite himself, glad to be feeling this sensation after so many years of keeping himself closed off.

”If you don’t mind my asking, how exactly did you discover your love of swimming?” He asked her, stealing another glance at her blue eyes as he spoke. He felt his pulse quicken as he met that blue gaze, smiling at Vanya as he waited for her answer.

[ Vanya | Corridor | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

Still smiling from the touch at her back, Vanya thought about her answer carefully  

“I suppose you could call me a sensualist” she admitted at last.   As they walked out of the door, she gestured behind them.   “That door is designed to fulfil a purpose.   When we left, the motion detector picked us up and opened.  When a certain amount of time passes with no person passing the motion sensor, the door will close again.   In the meantime, it can be told to remain closed when the Warp Trail closes, or remain open if they are adding new furniture and are carrying them in and out.”   As they continued to walk she was worried that she was rambling.   It was a habit she had picked up, ironically to prove that she was more than “just a machine”.

“In fact, that door could be reconfigured so that there is an automated welcome when someone enters, and wishes them farewell when we leave.   But people would argue that there is no real welcome there, that it is just words that it is programmed to say, that the real emotion comes from the person who programmed it.”  

She was almost sure she was rambling now, so she calmed herself.  

“There are those who would lump me in the same category as the door.   They would argue that I’m a machine designed to fulfil a purpose and that the emotions I have aren’t real.   But sensations against my skin, the water, its different shapes and temperatures remind me that I am not just a machine, that I am a being that feels and is alive.”  

As they approached the holodeck she shrugged.   “I know it sounds silly.   What about you?   What do you like about swimming?”  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Corridor Outside Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon came to a stop just outside the holodeck doors as Vanya finished speaking.

”That doesn’t sound silly at all.” He said, looking at her with a serious expression. ”Just because you are not the same as someone else doesn’t make you less sentient, or less alive.”

Ekon leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. ”There are plenty of different species that have been encountered that do not conform to the same definition of “alive” as a “typical” humanoid. The Federation has encountered being made up of photonic energy. Beings we don’t even understand. Look at the Q, for example.” Ekon smiled. ”To consider them less alive than say, I am, would be nothing more than ignorance.” Ekon shrugged now, still keeping his eyes on hers. ”I am half El-Aurian. My lifespan could potentially be 700 years, much longer than that of a human’s. Does that make their life less important than mine, since their life expectancy is different?”

Ekon uncrossed his arms and pushed off the wall, stepping close to her.

”But enough philosophy for the moment. I have an idea.” He said, mischief creeping into his smile. ”Consider it a test of hypothesis.”

With those words, Ekon reached up and placed his right hand on Vanya’s cheek, cupping it gently. At the same time, he moved forward, bringing his lips to meet hers. The kiss lasted only a moment, then Ekon pulled away, the smile returning to his face.

After taking a breath, he spoke again. ”As an organic, I can tell you that after that, my heart feels like it is trying pounding right out of my chest, and my whole body feels a bit jittery.” Ekon spoke softly, then chuckled. ”And considering I have never had any desire to kiss a door, I think we can safely assume you are not in the same category as one.” He looked into her eyes again, his own eyes twinkling with amusement. ”So, Vanya, how did it make you feel? Did you feel more than a door would have?”

[ Lt Vanya | Corridor Outside Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ] @Fife


As an android, Vanya didn’t need to grow up, her dimensions now, were the same that they were when she was created.   Nevertheless, following the kiss on her lips, she imagined that this is what it felt like to be a “teenage schoolgirl”   The sensation drove her wild.   She felt a mixture of so many emotions, excitement, lust, curiosity.   She had trouble processing all of these fully, but one thing that she was absolutely convinced about was that she wanted to take this as far as she could with this man

Her eyes danced as she gazed into his.  

“No, you make me feel… real.   But maybe I need more data”  

She held the back of his head, leant forward and kissed him on the lips.   Once again, her mind was lost in a sea of emotions.   She lingered slightly longer on their kiss this time.  She broke the kiss, but stroked the back of his neck with her long, slender fingers.  

“I can confirm I am definitely enjoying this.” She said with a playful wink.   “And I definitely don’t feel like a door.”  

Her lips twisted into a smirk that could only be called dirty.   “Well, there will be one similarity.   I think I’ll be open tonight…   for anything.”

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Corridor Outside Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

”No, you make me feel… real. But maybe I need more data.”

As Vanya leaned in and kissed him, Ekon couldn’t help but notice that it felt different kissing a woman who was the same height as he was. Not unenjoyable, but different. Putting the brief thought aside, Ekon focused on Vanya, savoring the feeling of her lips. She stroked the back of his neck as she broke the kiss, sending a shiver down his spine.

As Vanya spoke, giving him a playful wink, a grin spread across his features. A thrill surged through his chest as she hinted at things to coming, giving him a sultry smile that set his heart racing.

”Promises, promises, Vanya.” Ekon chuckled, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her close, pressing her body against his. He kissed her again, passionately this time, revelling in the feeling of her body pressed against his, the taste of her lips. Breaking the kiss without loosening his hold on her, he stared into her eyes, his breathing a little faster than before. When was the last time he had felt like this? He couldn’t remember. Years, though it hardly mattered. He was intoxicated by the woman.

”We’re only five feet from the doors, but if we keep this up we will never make it in there.” Ekon chuckled, stepping back but keeping his hands on her waist. ”And if I am being honest, I look forward to seeing you in your… swimwear…” With a mischievous grin and a wink, he turned towards the door, keeping his right hand on the small of her back as they moved. The doors to the holodeck slid open, and they passed though, stepping onto the shore of a large lake. Green, tree covered mountains sloped down to the water to their left and right, and beyond the far shore 2km away more mountains would be seen, with snow visible in their midst.

”Welcome to Lake Louise, on Earth's North American continent.” Ekon said, turning away from the still surface of the water to look at Vanya. ”I went swimming in this place once with a  friend, and fell in love with the view. Although…” Ekon gave Vanya a teasing grin as the holodeck doors slid closed behind them. ”It’s fed by a glacier, so it’s quite cold, and I seem to remember you complaining about the temperature in the shuttle bay.” Ekon looked into Vanya’s blue eyes, his own eyes glinting with amusement. ”So as much as I enjoyed the feeling of goosebumps on your skin…” Ekon ran his hand lightly up her back, brushing the back of her neck with his fingertips. ”We can alter the program to make the water warmer if you would like.”

 Lt Vanya | Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga @Fife

Vanya was stunned by the beauty she beheld, despite the clear blue sky, the mountains around them were peaked with crisp white snow, yet down on ground level, there were chutes of green.   She dashed forward and stepped out of her boots.   The cold in the cargo bay was less than ordeal, but Vanya didn’t have a problem with it.   As Ekon started to catch up to her, she turned around to face him and unzipped her uniform overshirt.  

“The temperature in the cargo bay was a discomfort, a distraction to the goal at hand – namely fixing my problem.   But I told you, I’m a sensualist.   Away from duty, or other priority I love feeling sensations, heat and cold, the rough and the smooth, the soft and the hard.”  

She discarded her uniform overshirt and pulled down the rest of her undershirt zip.  

“At least this time you’ll be able to peak because I want you to.”   She lifted off her undershirt, exposing her pert breasts to the cold air of the holodeck   She felt, and acted on, the urge to give him a playful wink.  

“So, I want this to be as realistic, and as tactile as possible.   And the lake you have chosen is perfect for us.  



She turned her back on him, and pulled down her black side on view to the man who a short time ago was little more than a passing acquaintance, but was now becoming someone that she wanted to spend time with.  

“So Ekon, where should we start?”  

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ]

Ekon smiled as he watched Vanya run towards the water, stopping to kick off her boots. He kicked off his own boots before following her, smiling at the raven-haired woman as she turned to face him and began to unzip her uniform. Ekon followed suit, unzipping his uniform tunic and then the undershirt as Vanya spoke.

”At least this time you’ll be able to peek because I want you to.” She said as she removed her undershirt and gave him a wink, causing him to grin mischievously as he once again let his gaze trail over the bared flesh or her torso, enjoying the sight of her pert breasts reacting to the cold air. He shrugged out of his tunic and undershirt, letting them drop to the ground behind him and baring the dark skin of his muscular chest and shoulders.

”If I am being honest,” Ekon began, raising his eyes back up to meet Vanya’s gaze. ”I might have peeked once or twice in the cargo bay as well…” He chuckled, undoing his uniform trousers as Vanya turned away and continued to disrobe. His gaze fell on her backside, which was nicely presented before him, and his grin grew wider as he let his pants drop to the ground to join his tunic, leaving him clad only in black boxer-briefs.

”So Ekon, where should we start?”

Ekon moved up behind Vanya and moved his arms around her, sliding his hands gently across her abdomen as he did. He did not think of the woman before him as just an android. She was intelligent and witty. She showed obvious emotions. And she stirred in him emotions that he had long thought to be dead. His hands sliding across her stomach felt the woman’s soft, smooth skin. He felt the warmth of the flesh of her back against his chest as he pulled her to him. He planted a soft kiss on the tall woman’s slender neck, catching a whiff of the scent of her hair as he did before he answered her question.

”Well, Vanya, I have a few ideas of what we could do. But I suppose since we’re here, the water might be a good place to start…”

He moved quickly, scooping Vanya off her feet before she could react. Carrying her in his arms, he moved forward towards the water. He waded in until the ice-cold water was above his knees, then smiled a devilish smile at the Lieutenant.

”If you want a realistic sensation, then how about we start with being dunked in a glacier-fed Canadian lake?” Ekon asked, his tone carrying a teasing threat.

And with those words he heaved Vanya forward with a laugh, sending her arching towards the icy water.

[Lt. Vanya |Science Officer |USS Cayuga |Holodeck 4] @Fife

Vanya felt elation as she hit the cold water, the cold embracing her skin like a blanket of sensation.   Although she didn’t need to breath, her simulated cardiovascular system was always on.   Therefore, after a few seconds of struggling in the brisk lake, she surfaced, from the water, her wet skin covered in goosebumps, her breasts made even more pert by the cold, and she made sure that the Eboh had the best view of her figure..    She gasped for air for a second, before landing back in the water.    She floated to the surface again, a wry smile on her face.  

“Careful Eboh.   Its not wise to throw a woman into lake when she a neural net that can work out 87 distinct and unique ways to get revenge before even her pinky toe gets wet.”  

She held out her arms in a cross like gesture and fell backwards, swimming away from him doing the back stroke, giving him a full eyeful of her charms.   

In truth, she valued that playful gesture for what it was.   Even though she looked like an average being, the fact that she was an android meant that many people were a little scared to get too close.   Many thought that picking up and throwing her even in playfulness would be like throwing a console.   That she was Romulan meant that it was like getting close to a console that might very well snap their neck when they weren’t looking.  

But Ekon was treating her differently, and she wanted it to continue as long as possible.  

“Now are you going to get in here and distract me, or am I going to reach five figures?”   

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon grinned as Vanya uttered her teasing threat. He stood in the shallows of the lakeshore with his arms crossed over his chest, enjoying the enticing view she was so generously presenting him with. His eyes played over her body, the smooth skin of her arms, the pert mounds of her breasts, and the toned glistening of her abdomen as the water ran off of her form.

”Now are you going to get in here and distract me, or am I going to reach five figures?”

With those words, Ekon raised an eyebrow, silently curious as to just what sort of revenge she was coming up with. He chuckled as he bent forward and relieved himself of his underwear, then tossed them onto the shore behind him before taking several steps deeper into the lake. After the third step he took a deep lungful of air and dove forward, slipping under the water’s surface. His dark form was difficult to make out beneath the shimmer of the lake’s face, and made even more so with Vanya facing the sky as she did the backstroke. The water was still aside from the ripples caused by Vanya’s movements for several moments, then powerful hands rose from the depths below her. The dark-skinned hands grabbed her firmly about the hips and pulled her down into the water once more, the right hand sliding up along her back and cradle the back of her head and Ekon pulled her to him where he floated in the cold limbo beneath the lake’s surface.

His left arm snaked around her waist and pulled her to him, and he planted another kiss on her lips as they drifted beneath the ripples left from Vanya’s sudden submersion. The kiss was more aggressive this time, Ekon’s desire no longer being restrained. After several long moments Ekon broke the kiss and kicked his legs, propelling them to the surface. He took a deep breath as their heads broke the calm of the lake’s face, and he grinned at the raven haired woman whose head bobbed right in front of his, whom he still held pressed against him as droplets of water poured down from the top of his head.

”And just how exactly am I supposed to distract you for your plotting, Vanya?” Ekon asked softly, staring into her eyes as his legs worked in a steady rhythm to keep theirs heads above water. ”If you can come up with so many ways to get revenge so quickly, I would imagine you’ve already come up with plenty of options. I can’t help but feel that I am already in trouble!” He chuckled as he spoke, then leaned in and kissed her once more, his arms tightening around her body, crushing her firm breasts against his chest as he pressed her bare skin against his own. He relished in the feeling of her form against his even as he again pulled his lips away from hers.

”Should I beg for your forgiveness?" He asked softly, leaning his head forward and kissing the side of her neck softly. "Or find some other way to absolve myself of my misdeeds?” He kissed her neck again, higher this time, just below her ear. "There must be something I can do to make it up to you!" He pleaded in a tone that was both playful and suggestive before kissing her ear, taking her earlobe in his mouth and gently sucking on it for a brief moment. "Or am I simply doomed to suffer your wrath?" He chuckled, looking her in the eyes once more and planting a playful kiss on the tip of her nose.

[ Science Officer Vanya | Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga] attn. @Fife 

Vanya stared into his eyes and grinned mischievously.   Lots of possibilities ran through her mind, and she couldn’t wait to go through some of them in detail.   And yet, she was also conscious about how quickly things where going.   She wanted to continue, but didn’t want to take any bad steps.   She decided just a little more data was needed  

“Well, I don’t know.” she said before taking a moment to swim around him admiring his figure.  He was certainly appealing to Vanya, not that she was a vain being who didn’t see beyond the physical, but she certainly found something to like about a humanoid that could keep themselves in tip top condition, despite the challenges from age, genetics and lifestyle that were posed to most species.  

She was conscious that she was keeping the teasing going, and that gave her a certain sence of satisfaction.   Finally she completed a second circuit standing in front of him, and taking a moment to trace a line down his chest with her slender finger,  then back up again past the start point across his neck before resting  on his chin.  

She pressed herself against him, feeling the pounding of his heart against her own chest.   The game they were playing was clearly exiting him too.   Perhaps it was time to take things further, explore the next frontier.  

She brushed her fingers delicately up and down his back, gently probing him.  “I guess that’s the point of distractions.   If you don’t’ know it’s coming, its not much of a distraction.”  

[ CPO Ekon Okotii=Eboh | Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon stayed stationary and watched as Vanya swam two circuits around him, losing sight of her when she passed behind him only to watch her paddle into view on his other side. She had seemed to hesitate for a moment, but now she stood before him and ran her finger down his chest, then back up. The sensation was a pleasant one, more so when she moved closer and pressed herself against him. He could feel his heart racing as he savoured the feeling of her body against his, and he reached forward to place his hands on her sides, slowly sliding them down to rest on her hips. Her hesitation from earlier had given him pause, however, and now he voiced those thoughts.

”You hesitated for a moment there.” He said, smiling slightly as his eyes met Vanya’s gaze. ”If this is moving too quickly for you, all you have to do is say so.” Ekon glanced down at her body as he added, ”Though I will admit, stopping now would take a great deal of willpower.” Ekon couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast of the soft, white skin of Vanya’s breasts pressed against the dark espresso skin of his chest. Ekon chuckled and returned his gaze to her eyes, then slipped his hands off her hips and encircled her waist, pressing her to him. He could feel her breasts crushed against his chest, her hips pressed against his. The warmth of her naked skin against his own made a vivid contrast to the cold of the water and air around them.

Ekon stared into Vanya’s vivid blue eyes as he slid a hand slowly up her back, gently brushing her bare skin with the tips of his fingers. The hand travelled higher, between her shoulder blades and up the back of her neck before his fingers entwined themselves in her dark hair. He pulled her tighter to him with the arm that still encircled her waist, and leaned his head forward, kissing her lightly on the side of the neck. He kissed her neck again, higher up this time, and a third time just below her ear. Then he brought his mouth next to her ear, close enough that she could feel his breath on her ear, and spoke.

”So tell me, Vanya.” Ekon whispered, kissing her ear before he continued. ”Is this distracting you?” He kissed her twice, working his way back down her neck. At the same time he loosened the hold of the arm that was around her waist, moving his hand so that is rested in the small of her back. ”Or do I need to try something else?” Ekon slid his hand south, stopping it’s movement when it rested on the upper half of her left cheek. He gently caressed her buttock, having taken the time to admire it on several occasions throughout the evening and now enjoying the opportunity to finally get his hands on Vanya’s shapely behind.

[ Lt. Vanya| Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ] @Fife

 Vanya allowed herself to grind her butt cheek at Eboh's manly touch.   He had proven to be quite the strong type, and that was something Vanya had admired.   Although she was nowhere near as strong as a Soong Type android, or most of the alien androids encountered by the Federation over the years, there was an assumption by many that she was hard, emotionally and physically.  

But that wasn’t certainly true, it certainly wasin’t true emotionally.   Since her reactivation, she was filled with so many contradictory emotions, and one of them was just the urge to let go and be taken care of.   Could Eboh be the one?   Someone to both care for her and be an equal?   Again she wondered if her emotions were real or not.   However now wasn’t the time for thinking.   She gently rose to her tip toes in the water, making Eboh’s hand move lower,

“Well, I have to say I am liking this so far…   but maybe we need to go deeper to see what our limits are…  if we have any.”  

Keeping his hand on her behind, she reached into the water and caressed her long smooth fingers down his abs and to the top of his pelvis.

“What do you say… Darling?”

[ CPO Ekon Okotie-Eboh | Holodeck 4 | USS Cayuga ] @Veridian

Ekon felt Vanya pushed herself onto her tiptoes, her movement causing his hand to slide further down onto her bum. Not that he was complaining, quite the opposite in fact. He allowed his hand to travel lower, cupping under the curve of the cheek and gripping the shapely flesh. She admitted to enjoying their current situation, suggesting that they see how far this would go. The suggestion caused Ekon’s grin to broaden as he pulled his face back from Vanya’s neck, looking into the woman’s blue eyes, his own eyes filled with desire.

Vanya slid her fingers down Ekon’s abdomen, probing lower until they reached the top of his pelvis, her touch eliciting a low rumble of enjoyment from the El-Aurian hybrid while at the same time causing a stir of anticipation in his manhood.

”What do you say… Darling?”

Vanya’s use of the term of endearment gave Ekon pause, not because he was opposed to it but rather because it had been some time since he had allowed himself to become close with anyone. Now here he was, naked with a gorgeous woman he had barely known just that morning, exploring each other on the holodeck, his heart racing every time his eyes met hers, the fact that she was android not even coming to mind. She was a bit of an enigma to him, bold, yet seemingly hesitant. Sure of herself, yet seemingly new to the experience. Ekon found himself wanting to know the woman better, not just intimately but emotionally.

Ekon extracted the hand whose fingers had entwined themselves in Vanya’s hair, bringing it to the side of her face and gently stroking her cheek with his thumb, his eyes still locked on hers, unable to look away.

He found her intoxicating.

”I would say that sounds like a wonderful idea, my dear.” Ekon said as his thumb stroked her cheek again, gently tracing over her cheekbone and trailing down to the corner of her jaw. He lightly ran his index finger forward, following her jawline before gently taking hold of her chin with thumb and forefinger and guiding her face to his, meeting her in a passionate kiss. As the kiss lingered, Ekon trailed the hand down Vanya’s neck, over her collarbone and down her flank, gentle caressing the side of her breast with the back of his fingers as they passed. The hand continued it’s decent, lightly brushing the soft skin of Vanya’s abdomen before trailing down to her hip, his large hand coming to rest on the shapely curve. ”Though at this point,” Ekon said, breaking the kiss and meeting Vanya’s eyes once again before his gaze travelled down over Vanya’s body, reveling in the view until it came to rest on Vanya’s hand, the pale flesh of her fingers poised over the dark skin of his pelvis, just above the proof of his arousal, ”I think you are doing a better job of distracting me.” The words came out in a slightly breathless tone, the El-Aurian giving Vanya a sly smile.

With a swift movement, he once again scooped Vanya off her feet, cradling in his arms yet again. Rather than heaving her deeper into the lake this time however, he instead began wading through the water towards a wooden dock that floated further down the shore, his strong arms easily supporting Vanya as he moved. He gave Vanya a mischievous grin as he waded along, then quickly darted his head forward. His mouth found the pale skin Vanya's breast, and he lightly nipped the soft skin of the fleshy mound before straightening his neck to look at her once more, a cheeky grin fixed on his features.

As he reached the dock, he lifted Vanya and sat her on the platform. The coffee skinned man stood in front of her, still waist-deep in the water, his hands on her thighs and his head tilted up to look her in the eyes, a beguiling grin on his face. He leaned against her, his abdomen pressed against her knees, though not trying to force them apart. His hands felt goosebumps raise on her thighs as her wet skin was exposed to the cool air.

”You are a remarkable woman, Vanya.” He informed her with a note of tenderness in his deep Nigerian accent, ”You are beautiful, intelligent, and confident, yet sometimes you seem so uncertain, almost vulnerable,” He continued as he slid his hands up her thighs so that they rested lightly on her hips, then leaned forward and kissed her lightly on her left thigh before straightening and looking into her clear blue eyes once more. ”You are a charming contradiction.” He smiled warmly at her as he finished speaking, his head slightly tilted as he studied her.

- FIN